Maple Falls Memory

By Robin Reid

Lily Donovan thought she had left Maple Falls—and all its tangled emotions—behind ten years ago. But when her sister's wedding drags her back to the small town that holds so many bittersweet memories, she realizes that some things are harder to outrun than others. Enter Landon Hayes, her first love and the boy who shattered her heart with a secret that tore them apart. Now, he's one of the groomsmen, and their past is an open wound that everyone in town seems eager to rehash. As the wedding day approaches, so does the storm of unresolved feelings between Lily and Landon. Can she find closure and walk away for good? Or will the sparks that once ignited between them lead to a second chance at the love they both lost? In Maple Falls Memory, past and present collide in a story of heartbreak, hope, and the possibility of rekindling a romance that never really ended.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Robin Reid
• Release date: Sep 14, 2024
• ISBN: 9798227883438

Book preview

Chapter 1:

The evening wore on, and as the sky deepened into shades of navy and indigo, the laughter and chatter around me seemed to fade into a distant murmur. I found myself retreating into my thoughts, a quiet spectator to the celebration of my sister’s happiness. The soft rustle of leaves and the distant hum of cicadas provided a soothing backdrop, yet the turmoil inside me refused to be quelled. The more I tried to focus on the present, the more my mind wandered back to those endless summer days when everything felt possible.

I remembered the first time I met Landon, a scrawny kid with a wild mop of hair and a grin that could light up the darkest room. We were both nine, both lonely souls navigating the uncertainty of a new school year. It didn’t take long for our paths to intertwine. Our friendship was instant and intense, a bond forged in shared secrets and dreams. We spent countless afternoons perched on the old oak tree in his backyard, mapping out our futures with a fervor that only children possess. We talked about college, careers, and one day, a life where we would be together forever. The world was ours for the taking, or so we thought.

But as we grew older, the innocence of our dreams began to erode. The summer we turned sixteen marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that neither of us was prepared to navigate. It was the summer of first loves and painful truths, a season that brought with it the realization that our lives were destined to diverge. The promises we made under that old oak tree slowly unraveled, each one breaking my heart a little more. I still remember the day when everything changed, when the laughter turned to silence, and the easy camaraderie we shared was replaced by awkward glances and unspoken words.

Back in the present, I tried to shake off the melancholy that seemed to cling to me like a second skin. I glanced around at the guests, their faces lit with happiness and love. I saw my sister, radiant in her wedding dress, twirling with the grace of someone who had found her missing piece. She looked at her fiancé with a tenderness that made my heart ache. I was happy for her, truly, but the sight of her joy only highlighted the emptiness I felt inside.

The music drifted through the evening air, a soothing melody that contrasted sharply with the chaos of my thoughts. I wandered away from the main gathering, seeking solace in the solitude of the garden. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a gentle glow over the meticulously manicured lawns. The garden was a beautiful blend of colors and scents, a testament to my sister’s impeccable taste. I found a secluded bench under a flowering cherry tree, its delicate blossoms swaying gently in the breeze. I sat down, trying to find comfort in the quiet of the night.

As I stared into the distance, my mind was a whirlwind of memories and emotions. The smell of the blossoms reminded me of the times Landon and I had spent exploring the woods behind his house. We would run through the underbrush, laughing and chasing each other, feeling invincible in our youth. Those moments seemed so distant now, like they belonged to someone else’s life. I wondered if Landon ever thought about those days, or if he had moved on, leaving our shared past behind as easily as I had once hoped to.

The soft crunch of gravel on the path drew my attention, and I looked up to see a figure approaching. My heart skipped a beat, a mix of hope and dread tightening in my chest. The silhouette was familiar, but the night played tricks on my eyes, making it hard to discern who it was. I held my breath, trying to steady the racing of my heart.

As the figure drew closer, I saw that it was not Landon but an old family friend, Mrs. Harper, who had been a constant presence in my life during my childhood. Her kind eyes and warm smile were a comforting reminder of simpler times. She greeted me with a gentle hug, her presence a balm to my troubled thoughts.

Lily, my dear, it’s so good to see you, Mrs. Harper said, her voice a soothing melody in the stillness of the garden. You’ve grown up so beautifully.

I smiled, grateful for the distraction. Thank you, Mrs. Harper. It’s good to see you too. How have you been?

We chatted about the old days, exchanging stories and catching up on the latest news. Her presence was a reminder of the connections that had once been so important to me. As we spoke, I found myself momentarily at ease, the weight of my past and the looming uncertainty of my future fading into the background.

Yet, even as I enjoyed the conversation, I couldn’t fully escape the nagging thought of Landon. The fact that he had not shown up at the wedding made me wonder if he was avoiding me, or if he simply didn’t care anymore. I tried to convince myself that it was for the best, that revisiting old wounds was unnecessary and that I should focus on the present. But the curiosity, the what-ifs, gnawed at me relentlessly.

As the evening grew colder, Mrs. Harper took her leave, and I was left alone once more. I looked around the garden, feeling a profound sense of isolation despite the celebrations that continued just a short distance away. The stars above seemed to twinkle with a silent message, reminding me that life, like the night sky, was full of mysteries and uncharted territories.

I stood up from the bench, resolved to return to the festivities and put on a brave face for my sister. But as I walked back towards the laughter and music, I couldn’t shake the feeling that my return to Maple Falls was more than just a visit. It was a journey into the past, one that held secrets and unresolved feelings, and I had a sinking suspicion that I was only at the beginning of discovering what those were.

The evening progressed in a blur of well-wishes and polite conversation, each interaction a reminder of how much had changed and how much I wished to avoid facing my past. I tried to lose myself in the festivities, engaging with family members and friends, all of whom were eager to catch up and reminisce. Despite their warmth, I felt like an outsider in my own skin, as if I were watching a scene unfold from behind a glass barrier.

As the reception moved into its final hours, the music shifted to a more relaxed tempo, and people began to drift away, their laughter and chatter slowly fading into the night. The cooling air offered a welcome relief from the enclosed warmth of the gathering. I found myself wandering away from the crowd once more, seeking the solitude of the front porch, where a single rocking chair waited in the moonlight.

I sat down, the old wood creaking under my weight, and looked out over the dimly lit street. The familiar scenery of Maple Falls seemed both comforting and unsettling, like a long-forgotten dream that had suddenly resurfaced. The quiet of the night was interrupted only by the occasional sound of footsteps on the pavement or the distant hum of a passing car.

It was then that I heard it—footsteps approaching from the direction of the driveway. My heart skipped a beat, each thud resonating with a nervous anticipation. I turned my head slowly, hoping that it was just another guest making their way home. But as the figure emerged from the shadows, my breath caught in my throat. It was him.

Landon. The sight of him after all these years was like a punch to the gut, both startling and deeply affecting. He was taller than I remembered, his shoulders broader, but the familiar, lopsided grin was unmistakable. For a moment, we simply stared at each other, the weight of a decade of unresolved emotions hanging heavily between us.

Hey, Lily, he said, his voice a blend of nostalgia and hesitation.

Hi, Landon, I replied, struggling to keep my voice steady. The simple greeting felt like a monumental effort, as though it carried the weight of all the years we had lost.

He took a step closer, his gaze searching mine as if trying to read the years we had spent apart. I didn’t think I’d see you here.

I nodded, feeling an awkward smile tugging at my lips. I didn’t think I’d see you either.

The silence that followed was thick with unspoken words, a chasm filled with regrets and memories. I could see the struggle in his eyes, the same struggle I felt within myself. The years had changed us, but the past had a way of resurfacing when you least expected it.

How have you been? he asked finally, breaking the silence with a question that seemed both banal and profound.

I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. I’ve been okay. Busy with work and everything. And you? How’s life treating you?

Not too bad, he said, a hint of a smile touching his lips. I’m back in town for a bit, helping my parents with some stuff.

I nodded, feeling a pang of sadness at the realization that he was still tied to this place, still connected to the town that had been such a huge part of our lives. I didn’t know you were back.

Yeah, it’s been a while since I’ve been here. Just needed some time to sort things out, I guess.

We fell into another uncomfortable silence, the kind that speaks volumes even when words are absent. I could feel the weight of our shared history pressing down on us, a silent reminder of everything that had gone wrong.

After a few moments, Landon cleared his throat. Look, Lily, I’m sorry about... well, everything that happened. I know it was a long time ago, but I’ve thought about it a lot. I should have handled things better.

His apology, so unexpected and raw, struck a chord within me. I had spent years building walls around my heart, trying to forget the pain and move on. But hearing him acknowledge it, hearing him admit that he had been thinking about it, was both comforting and painful.

It’s okay, I said softly, though the words felt inadequate. I think we both made mistakes. We were kids, and we didn’t know how to deal with everything.

He nodded, his expression a mix of regret and understanding. Yeah, maybe. But that doesn’t mean I don’t wish things had been different.

The sincerity in his voice made my chest tighten. I wanted to say more, to bridge the gap that had grown between us, but the words eluded me. Instead, we stood there in the quiet, the silence once again filling the space between us.

The night air grew colder, and I shivered slightly, the chill a stark reminder of the distance that had come between us. Landon seemed to notice, and he offered me a hesitant smile. Maybe we should catch up sometime, if you’re up for it.

I glanced at him, the flicker of old feelings mingling with the reality of who we had become. Maybe, I said, a note of uncertainty in my voice. I guess we’ll see.

He nodded, and with one last, lingering look, he turned and walked away, his figure fading into the night. I watched him go, feeling a mix of relief and melancholy. The encounter had been a shock, a jarring reminder of a past I had tried so hard to leave behind. Yet, as I sat alone on the porch, I realized that some things, no matter how much time passes, never truly fade away. They linger, waiting for the right moment to resurface, reminding us that our past is always a part of who we are.

As the stars glittered above and the night deepened, I found myself contemplating the future, uncertain of what lies ahead but knowing that my return to Maple Falls had reopened doors I thought had long been closed.

Chapter 2:

The next morning arrived with the soft golden light of dawn filtering through the curtains of my sister's guest room. I lay awake, staring at the ceiling, replaying the scene from The Mill Café in my mind. Landon’s face, his voice—everything felt like a shadow looming over my thoughts. I had hoped to compartmentalize my return to Maple Falls, to focus solely on my sister’s wedding and the joy it should have brought. But now, the past seemed determined to intrude on my present, dragging me back into old wounds that had barely begun to heal.

I forced myself out of bed, the morning chill a stark contrast to the warmth of the day before. After a quick shower, I dressed and joined my family for breakfast. The clinking of cutlery and the cheerful chatter around the table did little to ease my discomfort. Everyone was buzzing with excitement about the wedding, discussing last-minute details and making plans for the day ahead. I plastered on a smile and contributed where I could, but my mind kept drifting back to that brief, painful encounter with Landon.

After breakfast, I decided to take a walk around town, hoping the fresh air might clear my head. Maple Falls looked picturesque in the morning light, the kind of small-town charm that’s often idealized in stories and postcards. The streets were lined with quaint shops and cozy homes, each one holding its own slice of history. I passed The Mill Café again, the sight of it stirring a fresh pang of discomfort. The café, with its chipped wooden sign and the aroma of coffee lingering in the air, felt like a reminder of everything I was trying to escape.

As I wandered aimlessly, I found myself near the park where Landon and I had spent so many afternoons. The playground was empty, save for a few early joggers and dog walkers. I approached the swings, their creaky chains and worn seats a testament to the countless times we’d sat here, talking about everything and nothing. I sank into one of the swings, pushing off the ground with my feet and slowly rocking back and forth. It was a place where I’d once felt so at ease, and now it felt like a stage set for the drama of my unresolved emotions.

My mind wandered to the summer when everything changed. The day Landon and I had shared our first kiss was etched into my memory with painful clarity. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated hope, a fleeting dream that was shattered by the cruel realities of growing up. I remembered the way his eyes had looked into mine, full of promise, and how quickly that promise had crumbled in the face of our harsh reality.

I pushed harder against the swing, trying to outrun the memories, but they clung to me like shadows. The past was inescapable, no matter how fast I moved. The feelings of betrayal, hurt, and loss were like ghostly echoes, reverberating through my mind with a persistence that was both maddening and melancholic.

After a while, I got up from the swing, feeling the need to get back to my sister’s house. I walked with purpose, trying to shake off the lingering sadness. As I neared the house, I saw a familiar figure on the porch. It was Mrs. Harper, the kind woman who had been a steady presence in my childhood. She was sipping tea and enjoying the sunshine, her face breaking into a warm smile when she saw me approaching.

Lily, dear! What a lovely surprise, she said, her eyes twinkling with genuine affection. I was just taking a moment to enjoy this beautiful day. Care to join me?

I accepted her invitation, grateful for the distraction. We settled into comfortable chairs on the porch, and she poured me a cup of tea. As we sipped and chatted, her presence was a soothing balm to my frazzled nerves. Mrs. Harper had always had a way of making everything seem simpler, and her calm demeanor was exactly what I needed.

We talked about my sister’s wedding, about old friends and new beginnings. She listened with an understanding ear, her kind eyes reflecting a depth of empathy that made me feel seen. It was during this conversation that she casually mentioned Landon, noting his return to town and his recent endeavors.

I hear Landon’s back, she said, her voice carrying a note of casual curiosity. Seems like he’s been keeping busy with his family’s business. It’s nice to see familiar faces returning, don’t you think?

I nodded, feeling a twinge of discomfort. Yes, it’s been... unexpected.

She looked at me thoughtfully, as if sensing there was more to the story than I was letting on. Sometimes, returning to old places can bring up memories we weren’t quite ready to face. But it also gives us a chance to find closure, doesn’t it?

Her words resonated deeply with me. The idea of finding closure, of making peace with the past, was something I had been avoiding. I had hoped that by staying away from Maple Falls, I could leave behind the pain and move forward. But now, it seemed that coming back was forcing me to confront it head-on.

After our conversation, I felt a renewed sense of determination. The past was a part of me, but it didn’t have to dictate my future. As I prepared for the day’s events, I resolved to face the unresolved feelings with a clearer mind and a braver heart. The wedding was an important occasion, and I wanted to be present, both for my sister and for myself.

I knew that the road ahead would be challenging, that the encounter with Landon had opened a door to old emotions that I wasn’t fully prepared to deal with. But if I could navigate this turbulent landscape with honesty and grace, perhaps I could find the peace and closure I so desperately sought. And with that thought, I moved forward, ready to embrace the day with a renewed sense of purpose.

The afternoon was spent in a blur of wedding preparations. I busied myself with tasks, helping with decorations and running errands, trying to maintain the semblance of normalcy that was so important for my sister’s special day. Despite my best efforts, the encounter with Landon kept creeping into my thoughts, a constant undercurrent to every conversation and every moment of quiet.

The house was a flurry of activity, with family and friends all lending a hand. My sister, radiant in her pre-wedding excitement, seemed oblivious to the inner turmoil I was grappling with. Her happiness was infectious, and for her sake, I tried to push aside the distractions of the past. We had spent so much of our childhood dreaming about this day, and I wanted to be fully present for her.

As the afternoon turned to evening, the time for the wedding ceremony drew closer. I slipped into my dress, a deep blue gown that had been chosen to complement the autumn theme of the wedding. The mirror reflected a version of me that felt slightly disoriented, but I plastered on a smile, reminding myself that today was about celebrating new beginnings, not dwelling on old wounds.

The ceremony was held in a picturesque garden, the setting sun casting a golden glow over the scene. The air was filled with the soft strains of a string quartet, and the smell of fresh flowers mingled with the crisp autumn air. My sister looked stunning as she walked down the aisle, her happiness shining brightly. It was a beautiful, emotional moment, and I felt a swell of pride and joy for her.

As I stood there, witnessing the vows and the promises being exchanged, I couldn’t help but think about the vows Landon and I had once shared, and how they had unraveled. The contrast between then and now was stark, and it made me reflect on how much had changed in the years since.

The reception that followed was a lively affair, filled with laughter, dancing, and heartfelt toasts. I mingled with guests, exchanging pleasantries and catching up with old friends, all the while feeling the presence of Landon like a shadow lurking at the edge of my consciousness. Every time I glanced around the room, I half-expected to see him there, but he remained conspicuously absent.

As the night wore on, I found myself retreating to a quieter part of the venue, needing a moment away from the whirlwind of festivities. I wandered outside, finding a secluded corner with a view of the garden’s twinkling lights. The calm of the evening air was a welcome relief, and I leaned against a stone pillar, allowing the quiet to envelop me.

I was lost in thought when I heard footsteps approaching. I turned to see Landon walking toward me, his expression unreadable. He was dressed in a